Camp Mystic Seeks Relief: Appeals to FEMA for Removal from 100-Year Flood Map

Federal regulators granted Camp Mystic multiple exemptions to remove its buildings from the 100-year flood map. This allowed the camp, nestled in a flood-prone area, to operate with less oversight until disaster struck. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had classified the camp as a “Special Flood Hazard Area” in 2011, which required flood insurance and imposed stricter building regulations.

On July 4, historic floodwaters tore through the camp, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 27 campers and staff, including owner Dick Eastland. The flood was far worse than what FEMA’s guidelines predicted. Experts highlighted that the camp’s location along the Guadalupe River, in a region prone to sudden floods, made it particularly vulnerable.

Dr. Sarah Pralle, a Syracuse University professor who studies FEMA’s flood mapping processes, expressed concern over the exemptions. “It’s troubling that a place responsible for so many children wasn’t taking steps to address obvious flood risks,” she noted. The camp did not respond to inquiries following the tragedy but described it as an “unimaginable loss.”

FEMA had amended the flood map in response to the camp’s appeals, removing 15 buildings in 2013 and another 15 in 2019-2020, including structures from its expanded site, Cypress Lake. This expansion was touted by the Eastlands as a response to the camp’s “tremendous success.” However, these adjustments seem to have been aimed at avoiding flood insurance costs and easing construction regulations.

The dangers were apparent. An analysis showed that many structures at Camp Mystic were in or near the flood zone. Jeremy Porter from First Street, a climate risk modeling company, noted that FEMA’s flood maps often underestimate the actual risks, especially in rapidly changing climate conditions.

FEMA explained that flood maps are just snapshots meant to outline flood risks, not definitive predictions. Meanwhile, the process of appealing flood designations can be lengthy and costly, often favoring well-connected property owners. Research revealed that around 90% of amendment requests are approved, with a tendency for these amendments to occur in wealthier areas.

As Camp Mystic grew, county officials allowed its expansion, despite warnings about flood risks. Steubing, an engineer specializing in floodplain management, emphasized that the intensity of recent rainfall greatly exceeded historical norms. “Even if structures were raised, they might still have been devastated,” he stated.

The flood at Camp Mystic serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and inadequate flood management practices. With extreme weather events becoming more common, it’s crucial for communities, especially those managing facilities for vulnerable populations like children, to prioritize safety and proactive risk management.

For further reading on flood management and safety, visit the FEMA website.

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